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Introducing a new workshop series for parish and diocesan staff

Feed My Sheep: Nourishing Vibrant Parish Life
A three-part series of workshops for Parish and Diocesan Staffs designed to enrich and equip you for more effective ministry as individuals and as a staff.

Part 1: Age to Age - Ministering Effectively to Generational Groups in your Parish
This workshop provides a framework for understanding four distinct generations in the U.S., how they understand Church and what each is looking for in parish life. You will have an opportunity to learn about best practices from across the country, identify practical ways to evangelize each generational group, be in dialogue with other participants, and focus on what you as a staff hope to implement when you return home.

Presenters:

• Dominic Perri, Professional Presenter/Facilitator
• Peter A. Denio, Pastoral Services Director National Pastoral Life Center
• Peg Garvey-Mitchell, Professional Facilitator and National Pastoral Life Center Consultant

Feed My Sheep Audio Interview: A New Role for Parishioners The ongoing changes in parish life effect parishioners as well as parish leadership. There are times when the changes may seem overwhelming to some parishioners. In the midst of these realities, the Genesis story of creation reminds us of the creative presence of the Spirit of God. As we continue to nurture vibrant parish life, the role of parishioners and active participation in parish life are more significant than ever. In this conversation with Peter Denio, a presenter at the June 2009 Feed My Sheep workshop, Age to Age – Ministering Effectively to the Generations in your Parish, he talks with Mary Ellen Mahon, diocesan director for catechetical formation, about the changes in parish life and the signs of new life emerging in parishes across the country. Peter currently serves as Director of Pastoral Services at the National Pastoral Life Center in New York and works with parishes and dioceses throughout the United States. CLICK HERE to listen to Mary Ellen and Peter discuss the new roles for parishioners. Feed My Sheep Audio Interview: Peter Denio on the Changing Role of Parish Ministers Parish ministry has been changing and evolving for all involved: clergy, religious, lay ecclesial ministers and parishioners. As a church we have been prayerfully and faithfully seeking the presence and guidance of the Spirit in the midst of the emerging models of parish, parish leadership and ministry. We look to one another for support and encouragement and to gain wisdom from one another and from our experiences. Mary Ellen Mahon, diocesan director for catechetical formation, speaks with Peter Denio, a presenter at the June 2009 Feed My Sheep workshop, Age to Age – Ministering Effectively to the Generations in your Parish. Peter currently serves as Director of Pastoral Services at the National Pastoral Life Center in New York. He works with parishes and diocese throughout the United States. In this conversation Peter offers some insights about the changing role of parish ministers. CLICK HERE to listen to Mary Ellen and Peter discuss the changing role of parish ministers. Feed My Sheep Audio Interview: Involving Busy Parishioners Sometimes people say they stopped going to Mass because they weren’t getting anything out of it or because they found it boring. Others may say they have so many other things to do during the week that Sunday is their day to sleep in or veg out. For some parish leaders these seem more like excuses rather than reasons for not participating in parish life, or more specifically, for not participating fully and actively in Mass. In this audio segment Peter Denio suggests two ways to address the reality of how to invite and involve parishioners with very busy schedules. Peter, Director of Pastoral Service at the National Pastoral Life Center, is one of three presenters for Part One of the Feed My Sheep workshop series, “Age to Age – Ministering Effectively to Generational Groups in your Parish.” In this audio segment Peter is speaking with Mary Ellen Mahon, diocesan director for catechetical formation. CLICK HERE to listen to Mary Ellen and Peter discuss how to involve busy parishioners. RECOMMENDED READING: Practical strategies to foster the faith-maturing process in our young people Peter Denio, director of Pastoral Services at the National Pastoral Life Center and the presenter for the June workshop, recommends an article from CHURCH magazine entitled “THE YOUNG CATHOLIC CHURCH: Roots and Wings” in preparation for participating in the workshop since it addresses key “myths that hamper effective pastoral ministry with young people” and offers “practical strategies and experiences to foster the faith-maturing process in our young people.” Click here for more information and to read the article.

About Parish Life

Parish life is at the heart of the Church and is the place where the Christian Faithful encounter the Lord Jesus. Catholic parishes in New Hampshire are quite diverse. Each parish is led by a pastor appointed by the Bishop of Manchester. The pastor is responsible for the animation of the parish and for engaging the members of the parish in the mission and ministry of the Lord.

Bishop McCormack has devoted a great deal of his pastoral ministry to enhancing further development of vibrant parish life in New Hampshire. Bishop McCormack has written a pastoral letter regarding parish life titled One With Christ.

For a listing of parishes in New Hampshire, please visit our online directory.